SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Last month, Noida-based EndureAir Systems conducted a demanding month-long series of high-altitude tests for our Sabal 20 UAV. Team, led by Mohit Kaushik, a UAV test pilot and systems engineer, ventured to Karu-Leh (3500m AMSL) and Chang La (5360m AMSL) to push the Sabal 20 to its limits.

The tests subjected the Sabal 20 to a rigorous gauntlet of conditions. From extreme temperature fluctuations and varying airspeeds to significant air density changes and diverse load capacities, we gathered a wealth of data that will be crucial for further product refinement.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken a significant step towards developing a next-generation Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) with the successful testing of its SWIFT TD (Stealth Wing Flying Testbed) demonstrator.

This 1-ton flying wing demonstrator serves as a critical test bed for validating the design principles of a much larger, 13-ton UCAV currently under development. This future UCAV envisioned as a potent stealthy strike aircraft, represents a major leap forward in India’s unmanned aerial combat capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is mulling an offer from Greece to acquire 18 Mirage-2000-5 fighter jets. While the operational life of these jets might be limited, they could serve as a valuable source of spare parts for the IAF’s existing Mirage-2000 fleet.

Greece has offered these jets at an undisclosed price, likely reflecting their limited remaining service life. IAF officials will likely assess the condition of the aircraft in Greece to determine their suitability primarily as a source of spare parts.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

NewSpace Research (NSRT), a rising star in the Indian drone industry based out of Bengaluru, has recently unveiled a modernized design for its highly anticipated Abhimanyu UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle), drawing inspiration from the legendary warrior known for his bravery.

The most striking update lies in the engine configuration. Gone are the external podded engines featured in previous iterations. The new Abhimanyu boasts a sleek and streamlined design with internally mounted engines housed within strategically placed trapezoidal side intakes. This shift promises enhanced performance and potentially improved stealth capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Greece has proposed a collaborative approach with India for negotiating the purchase of additional Rafale fighter jets from French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation. This strategy leverages the combined buying power of both nations to potentially secure a more favourable deal.

Greece argues that a united front of two or more countries at the negotiating table would strengthen their bargaining position and potentially lead to a better price per jet. This bulk purchase approach is a common tactic used by nations to obtain discounts on expensive military equipment.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Ameya Precision Engineers has been awarded a contract to supply Empty PCB Warhead Assemblies for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’s advanced Rudram III missile. The delivery is expected to take place before the end of this year, marking a significant milestone in India’s indigenous missile development program.

Rudram III is an air-to-surface missile with a remarkable range of 550 kilometres and a peak terminal speed of Mach 5. Designed to neutralize heavily fortified military installations, this missile can engage a variety of targets, including radiating targets and ground-based infrastructure such as bunkers, buildings, and shelters.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a development first reported by idrw.org, India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is making a strong case for the indigenous development of Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA). This comes amidst interest from established players like Lockheed Martin, Embraer, and Airbus who have submitted bids to the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the project.

An anonymous HAL official, citing authorization limitations, revealed to idrw.org that the company is awaiting the IAF’s decision on the desired cargo-carrying capacity for the MTA. Upon receiving this information, HAL’s Kanpur division is prepared to conduct feasibility studies for the local development of an MTA-class aircraft.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is setting its sights on a potent one-two punch for its fighter jet arsenal. Following the successful integration of the Astra MkI Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), the IAF is now exploring the integration of the Rudram-1 missile onto two of its key fighter platforms: the Rafale and the Tejas Mk1A.

The Rudram-1, also known as the New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile (NGARM), is an indigenous air-to-surface missile designed in collaboration with Dassault Aviation. This missile excels at neutralizing enemy air defence systems, including surveillance and tracking radars, as well as communication networks.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Indian drone manufacturer Kadet Defence Systems (KDS) has made significant strides in the realm of aerial targets with its latest innovation, the Anudishya jet-powered aerial target. This cutting-edge platform is poised to revolutionize high-speed interception and precision strike capabilities, with performance metrics that set a new standard in the industry.

The Anudishya aerial target is designed to perform high-speed interceptions and precision strikes at distances exceeding 300 kilometres. Its ability to cover vast distances with pinpoint accuracy makes it an invaluable asset for both offensive and defensive military operations. The integration of a jet engine enables the Anudishya to reach speeds over 500 kilometres per hour, significantly enhancing its responsiveness and effectiveness in complex operational scenarios.